The American Kennel Club is the only purebred registry in the United States with an ongoing kennel-inspection program.

As a part of the AKC's breeder-education mission, a dedicated team of field inspectors works closely with breeders to ensure the proper care and conditions of dogs, and confirm accurate recordkeeping.

In many cases, AKC breeders not only welcome inspections but promote them as an assurance for puppy buyers. For these breeders, inspections provide evidence of the high operational standards of their kennels.

The policy has been reformatted into an easy-to-understand framework for responsible dog ownership, including Care of Dogs, Kennels and Housing, and Operations.

For many responsible breeders, an important aspect of their commitment to their chosen breed is support of breed-rescue efforts.

Most of the dogs who end up in rescue are not from responsible breeders, it's true. Responsible breeders screen prospective homes carefully to ensure the right "fit," and they educate prospective owners about training, grooming, care, and what to expect of the breed. They are "there" for each owner throughout the dog's lifetime and are willing to take back at any time a dog they have bred, should a home not work out or unforeseen circumstances arise.

A lovely Sporting Fields whippet, captured on canvas, resides in the AKC art collection in New York.

Meet the Magnificent Seven

AKC Breeder of the Year group honorees are dedicated to health, temperament, quality

The AKC has announced the names of seven group recipients of its 2012 Breeder of the Year Award. The award honors breeders who have dedicated their lives to improving the health, temperament and quality of purebred dogs.

At a special presentation held during December's AKC/Eukanuba National Championship, these eminent breeders will receive a medallions in recognition of their achievements. At the presentation's conclusion, one of the seven group recipients will be named as the AKC's overall Breeder of the Year.

A canine portraitist will be commissioned to commemorate a prominent dog from the recipient's kennel, and their name will be inscribed on a perpetual trophy and plaque on permanent display at the AKC headquarters in New York City.

AKC Breeder articles are selected for their general interest and entertainment values. Authors' views do not necessarily represent the policies of The American Kennel Club, nor does their publication constitute an endorsement by the AKC.

An excerpt from "The Search for the Perfect Stud Dog," the July 2012 AKC Gazette breed column by Marianne Sullivan, Collie Club of America

It should be easier now than ever to pick a stud dog. The Internet, kennel websites, and advancements in genetic screening put abundant information at our fingertips.

The truth is, however, despite all the advice and resources available, we approach the search from our unique experience, focus, bias, and emotions.

From planning our first litter to 20 years later, the process will evolve based on our experience. For example, when I started out I knew the first-generation parents behind my bitch; every other ancestor on the pedigree was just a name. Now, I can easily know five or six generations personally, and each of the names on the pedigree elicits a mental picture for me.